2017 AIA Minneapolis Merit Award Winners

Top left to bottom right: Be The Match; DC Group Office Headquarters; Fireman’s Park & Chaska Curling and Event Center; Sandcastle; South Minneapolis Office; and Twin Cities Academy

AIA Minneapolis awarded four Merit Awards to projects designed by AIA Minneapolis architects that tell a story of excellence beyond design; reflecting the variety of forces that shape a building. Unique in its approach to creating a jury, the Merit Award encompasses the views of business professionals, real estate developers, community advocates, and academic leaders, as well as architects.

2017 Merit Award Winners

Perkins+Will’s Be The Match is a leading edge, flexible workplace located in the North Loop that demonstrates commitment to the well-being, productivity, and enrichment of their employees.

UrbanWorks Architecture LLC’s DC Group Office Headquarters located in North Minneapolis, this “expand in place” office creates a vision of modern industrial workplace, strengthens its presence in the community, and develops long-term sustainable architecture.

LOCUS Architecture’s Sandcastle is a destination restaurant and terrace pavilion that respects the historical context of the original building located on Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis.

LOCUS Architecture created an eco-friendly South Minneapolis Office, transformed from a long vacant and neglected party supply store and dry cleaning drop off site, now a building that exemplifies strong commitment to urban reuse and revitalization.

Kodet Architectural Group, Ltd.’s Twin Cities Academy features efficient solution, technological enhancements, and a cost-effective building located on the former Cemstone site on the east side of St. Paul. The Twin Cities Academy received the additional honor of being selected for the 2017 Michael L. Schrock, AIA, Merit Award.